According to Nakisa Bidarian, a partner at Most Valuable Promotions, Jake Paul presented a sterner test for Anthony Joshua than the Albanian contender Kristian Prenga did. In Joshua’s first bout after his December clash with the YouTuber‑turned‑boxer, he endured two knockdowns in the opening round at the hands of the largely overlooked Prenga, who managed to send the British heavyweight to the canvas. Despite those setbacks, Joshua rallied, rose from the canvas twice and ultimately delivered a decisive knockout in the second round, keeping his schedule on track for a potential year‑end showdown with Tyson Fury.
Bidarian, however, believes the fight underscored just how effectively Paul performed during his six‑round encounter with Joshua before the Briton landed the crushing blow that fractured Paul’s jaw. "Jake Paul achieved more than the opponent on Saturday night did," Bidarian told Sky Sports News. "He lasted six rounds, while that other fighter was finished in two, enduring the same punches Jake absorbed." The MVP executive expressed satisfaction with Paul’s showing, even though the outcome—Joshua’s knockout and Paul’s broken jaw—was disappointing.
"I’m thrilled with how he fought, even if the result wasn’t what we hoped for, and I don’t like that he ended up with a broken jaw. The hardest shots that landed on Jake didn’t have the same effect on a heavyweight on Saturday," she added.
Joshua’s return to the ring marked his first appearance since surviving a tragic automobile accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends. The bout against Prenga was dedicated by the champion to his late companions, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, a gesture that resonated deeply with Bidarian. "I’m proud of him, I’m in awe of him, I keep thinking about him," she said.
"I sent him messages all week. We formed a bond with Sina, which was painful for everyone, especially for AJ, who has become part of their family.
To step back into the ring just seven months later, carrying that emotional weight, is a testament to his character. My respect and admiration for him are immense." Since the jaw injury, Paul has not stepped into the squared circle, but Bidarian is adamant that his boxing career is far from over. She outlined an extensive list of potential match‑ups that could reignite his trajectory, naming former UFC heavyweight Francis Ngannou, British contender Chris Eubank Jr., and WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia as prime targets.
"He’s 100 percent back in boxing," she affirmed. "Jake wants to fight Ngannou, Ryan Garcia, and even Tommy Fury makes sense. A bout with Edgar Berlanga would be fascinating, and I’m also intrigued by the idea of facing Chris Eubank Jr.
The opponents on the other side also need to be realistic—sometimes their ambitions exceed what the box office can realistically support." Bidarian’s optimism reflects a broader trend in the sport: crossover athletes and unconventional pairings are drawing significant attention and revenue. Paul’s high‑profile bouts, despite the physical toll, have demonstrated his ability to attract viewers and generate buzz, suggesting that promoters will continue to explore creative match‑making to capitalize on his brand.
In addition to discussing Paul’s future, the article highlighted upcoming events on the MVP calendar. The organization’s sixth event, MVPW‑06, will take place in Birmingham and feature a headline fight between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron, with Caroline Dubois also on the card. The event is scheduled for August 29 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available for viewers who prefer a contract‑free experience.
Overall, Bidarian’s comments paint a picture of a resilient Joshua, still processing personal loss while maintaining his competitive edge, and a determined Jake Paul, whose career, though momentarily halted by injury, remains poised for a comeback against a diverse slate of opponents. Both athletes continue to shape the modern boxing landscape, blending traditional heavyweight narratives with the spectacle of internet fame and cross‑disciplinary intrigue.